Abuja, Nigeria. On 23 March 2013 was held the ceremony of consecration and installation of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northern Nigeria (Grand Lodge of Nigeria). The event was attended, among others by members of the Grand Lodge of Ghana.

London, United Kingdom. The cousin of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, Duke of Kent has not been discharged from the hospital where he is recovering after the stroke suffered a few days ago.

The Duke suffered a mild stroke shortly after his reelection as Grand Master of the UGLE. The Duke of Kent has 77 years, held the office of Grand Master since 1967 and he is the brother of Prince of Kent, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons.

Amman, Jordan. His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan (often portrayed as a pro-Western leader) said, among other things, that the Muslim Brotherhood is a "Masonic cult". Jordanian State television expressed the official position of the Royal House by denying it and said that the statements of the King were taken out of context.

The Muslim Brotherhood (The Society of the Muslim Brothers) controls the most powerful political organization in Jordan. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and today represents one of the greatest political and social forces in the Arab countries, starting with Egypt.

Lucca, Italy. Last week took place the 33rd meeting of UNESCO's Executive Board, event in which Romania was represented. The event was organized under the patronage of Italy's President and the Grand Orient of Italy attended the closing ceremony as "Partner of Excellence", being represented by Grand Master Gustavo Raffi.

Rome, Italy. The Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy expressed his joy regarding the election of Pope Francis. Raffi stated that: "With the election of Pope Francis nothing will ever be the same again."

Cairo, Egypt. Egyptian Freemasonry has a long history in terms of operative and speculative activities. In recent decades, due to the political climate, Freemasonry has not found its place in society. At the beginning of the 21st century, reactivation of Freemasonry in Egypt is considered a necessity.

This year will be founded the first Egyptian Masonic Lodge after decades of official inactivity. Imhotep Lodge will work under a foreign Constitution until the establishment of an Egyptian Grand Lodge.

Lima, Peru. On March 14, 2013, the Congress of Peru paid tribute to the Grand Lodge of Peru. The event marked 131 years since the founding of the Grand Lodge. The delegation of the Grand Lodge was led by the Grand Master.

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Grand Lodge of Argentina officially welcomed the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican. Argentinian Grand Master Angel Jorge Clavero considers that this appointment brought recognition to Argentine nation.

In the last week several Grand Lodges in Latin America, Europe and Asia (Lebanon) welcomed the election of the new Catholic Pope.

Bucharest, Romania. The Recent political scandal in which the image of Freemasonry was affected led to a natural reaction of the Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Romania. "The National Grand Lodge of Romania did not, does not and will never do politics, never shall engage in politics or support any political party or individual. Among our members we have members of all political parties, but each does in his public life what he wants," stated Radu Bălănescu for private TV channel Digi24.

Freemasonry is not a secret organization, has no political or religious doctrine, it is a club, association, on which charity and self-knowledge plays a primary role. Freemasonry is an institution of the civilized world, often making ​​an effort for the prosperity of society.

Vatican. Today was elected the new Pope, successor of Pope Benedict XVI (Pope Emeritus) at the helm of the Vatican. The one who will be called Pope Francis I (Francis of Assisi), is the Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires. The new Pope is of Italian origin and member of the Jesuit Order (11 March 1958). His actions in recent years in Argentina have indicated that he is part of the Catholic orthodoxy.

Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America, where countries have suffered due to the Catholic Inquisition. Today also marks 187 years since Pope Leo XII issued the Quo Graviora Papal Bull a document against Freemasonry.

Bucaramanga, Colombia. On 7-9 March 2013, the Grand Lodge of the Andes celebrates its 40th anniversary. On the same occasion takes place also a meeting of the Inter-American Masonic Confederation. Today, starting at 9:00 AM, will take place six Masonic conferences and during the evening there will be a Masonic ceremony marking the anniversary of the Grand Lodge.

London, United Kingdom. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain left this week the hospital where she was admitted for treatment. Captured images indicate that the nurse who accompanied Her Majesty was wearing the belt with Masonic symbols obtained after her graduation as nurse from the Royal Masonic Hospital.

The Royal Masonic Hospital was founded in 1933 by King George V and Queen Mary, and years after, in 1948 was founded the School of Nursing.

Paris, France. Members of the French National Grand Lodge can breathe a sigh of relief. GLNF is on the right track, even if there is much to do to regain its status within international Freemasonry. Servel's election as Grand Master, the implemented reforms, the removal of Stifani and the fact that the Grand Lodge, once again led by Freemasons and not French civil authorities are considered by the Grand Masters in North America as a positive evolution of GLNF.

Based on this decision, the best since the statements of UGLE's Grand Chancellor last fall, GLNF can start to prepare with confidence the celebration of its Centennial. This indicates that despite internal and external shocks received, GLNF continues to be a force supported by the Grand Lodges.

Sofia, Bulgaria. Bulgarian Freemasonry divisions led to a painful decision for the Bulgarian Brethren. Grand Masters of North America have decided to suspend relations with the Grand Lodge of Bulgaria and the United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria until they decide to come to an agreement.

Tijuana, Mexico. The decision taken at the last meeting of Grand Masters in North America was quite clear: the sole Grand Lodge in Baja California that meets the standards for recognition is the Grand Lodge is led by Grand Master Jesús Rodríguez Guzmán.

The decision adopted puts the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of Mexico is a very delicate situation because Raúl Gómez Mariscal (President of the Confederation) is part of the other Grand Lodge in Baja California. However, the Grand Masters of North America would like to see both Grand Lodges of Baja California reaching an agreement.

Iasi, Romania. On 7 March 2013, the Women's Grand Lodge of Romania, together with the Women's Supreme Council for Romania will organize a public conference in the cultural capital of Moldova. The event will take place in the amphitheater "Anghel Rugina" at "Petre Andrei" University in Iasi.

Bucharest, Romania. This evening will take place at the Radio Hall the Tchaikovsky Gala, an event sponsored also by the National Grand Lodge of Romania. The concert will be supported by the Romanian National Youth Orchestra under the baton of maestro Cristian Mandeal.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION 2.0

NEWSLETTER

IN MEMORIAM Alicia TOYOS

EXCLUSIVE | Interview with the first (woman) Grand Master in the history of the Republic of Uruguay, Alicia TOYOS | This interview has an exclusive character, being part of the Exclusive Collection of Interviews of the Masonic Agency. The republication (total and/or partial publication) of this interview is strictly prohibited.